Abstract: The actuator system comprises an actuator which includes a cylinder having a first end adapted to receive one or more gas generators and a second end having an opening therethrough. A piston having first and second ends defining the length thereof is movably mounted in the cylinder, dividing the cylinder into first and second variable volume chambers. The piston includes a piston rod attached thereto which extends out through the opening of the second end of the cylinder. An accumulator is coupled by a first passage system to the second variable volume chamber at substantially the second end of the cylinder. A first sequencing system provides for the charging of the accumulator and second chamber after a portion of the stroke. As the piston continues, the gas in the second chamber compresses, building up pressure and slowing the piston down.

Abstract: The invention is a weapon dispensing system for an aircraft. The system includes a weapon positioning assembly for positioning the weapon in a stored position and a release position. The weapon positioning assembly comprises a weapon support rack and a pair of fore and aft links having first and second ends. The first ends of the links are pivotally coupled to the aircraft and the second ends are pivotally coupled to the rack. An actuator assembly is coupled by its first end to the aircraft and by its second end to the weapon positioning assembly. It is adapted to move the positioning assembly from the stored position to the release position. Fore and aft weapon attaching devices for releasably locking the weapon to the rack is attached to the weapon positioning assembly. The weapon releasing devices are adapted to lock the weapon to the rack when the weapon position assembly is in the stored position and to only unlock the weapon from the positioning assembly when it is in the release position.

Abstract: The invention is a rotary launcher system for an aircraft having a weapon bay with an opening in communication with the exterior of the aircraft. In detail, the system comprises a plurality of first doors mounted on the aircraft which are movable from an open position to a closed position thereby sealing off a portion of the opening and forming a portion of the external contour of the aircraft over the opening. A frame member having at least one weapon mounting assembly mounted thereto is rotatively mounted within the weapon bay. The weapon mounting assembly is rotatably alignable with the opening upon rotation thereof. A second weapon mounting assembly is mounted to the frame member and is alignable with the opening upon rotation of the frame member. The second weapon mounting assembly comprises a pair of second doors rotatively mounted to the frame member.

Abstract: A telescopic fluid ram or thruster utilizing pressurized gas and having an inner and outer piston that slides within a cylindrical bore including a central probe which is tapered and extends into the bore of the inner piston where it will cause the inner piston to move under high pressure while the gas escaping from around the tapered area produces a holding force to hold the outer piston in place until the inner piston is fully extended, at which time the outer piston will extend under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: An ejector rack that is attachable to an aircraft and is for supporting and selectively releasing and/or ejecting a store that is carried internal of the aircraft, i.e., in a bomb bay. The store can be released from the ejector rack, and from the aircraft, in either of two ways, namely: by pushing on a manually operated release handle; or, by forced ejection, the only way used during flight of the aircraft. Forced ejection is achieved by sending an electrical impulse to either or both of two cartridges in the breech of the ejector rack, igniting the cartridge(s). Gas is generated thereby; and, the resultant pressure that is built up in a gas system in the rack provides force that acts upon an unlocking piston, causing the piston to move out of its "locked" position. In turn, the moving piston provides a force on a slide, rotating a latch that allows the main linkage bellcrank to rotate and thus to open two hooks which are holding the store, thereby releasing the suspended store.

Abstract: A 30 inch ejector rack, for use with an aircraft, to support and release and/or forcibly eject a nuclear store (or a large conventional store) from the aircraft, with both the ejector rack and the store carried internal of the aircraft. Unlike the prior art, this ejector rack structurally incorporates, among other novel fundamental features and/or improvements: mechanical "spools", rather than valves or orifices, to obtain pitch or tilt of the store during forced ejection; bypass grooves near the end (i.e., the bottom) of the piston stroke to provide snubber action, thus preventing damage to the store due to impact of the piston and the store during ejection; cartridge debris screens in the gas system of the ejection rack and, structural configuration which permits quick removal of piston components for rapid and easy cleaning, without necessitating the complete disassembly of the ejector rack, or even the removal of the rack from the aircraft to which it is attached.